New Year, And Already Planning for the Future

About 28 min and 46 seconds ago, the new year rang in and I was already planning. Planning for the things I will accomplish, the things i will not forget to do, and planning for the places I will go. I have spent the better part of the last 3 hours trying to determine the best route, quickest trek, and ways to overcome the many hurdles of a trip to the Appalachians. If you are not familiar, it is a range of mountains that extend from Georgia, all the way to Maine. My destination, which is neither near Maine, nor Georgia is smack dab in the middle of the trail. There is a well know park reserve entitled Shenandoah National Park. It is a wondrous landscape marked with ancient boulders that seeming fell from the sky. It boast a view that warrants many photographs, the one below was taken by a man name Bruce(although I do not know him personally) more photos can be seen HERE




My goal for this trip is twofold. I want to enjoy the times doing something I love, and share that experience with some close, albeit younger, friends of mine. There is still much planning, and convincing that is needed to make this trip happen properly. Already one potential member of this expedition into the wilderness has declined in favor of other activities. I hope, with careful planning, and strong determination to make this happen for the rest of us.

One thing I have yet to mention is that I have undertaken this trek before. I was only 12 at the time and to me, it was ACTUALLY a life changing experience. I realized what this world can offer to those who open their eyes to it. I respect this spinning orb more then ever because of my former trip.

This is what I have so far:

Day 1.
Leave from Minnesota
Stop somewhere in Indiana near Indianapolis for the night

Day 2.
Leave from Indiana
Make it to Waynesboro, VA (about a 9hr drive)
Pitch tent at Rockfish Gap

Day 3-7.
Leave from out first camping spot at Rochfish Gap
Camp at locations on the way
Arrive at Front Royal, VA (about 130 miles in total)

Day 7.
Last overnight before we head home

Day 8.
Leave from Front Royal,VA
Arrive in Indiana again (probably the same location as before)

Day 9.
Leave Indiana
Arrive safe and sound in Minnesota once again.


Although this is just a rough itinerary, I do have plans for how to get the vehicle from point A to B as well, and many other aspects of this journey.

I just hope things work out well enough to take this trip!

WORD OF THE WEEK
Peregrinate
To walk over, especially by foot;travers, travel, journey

Pronounced--
pear-i-grin-ate

Holiday Justice

Many citizens of this country find themselves jostling about on their merry way for the holidays. Christmas is a time of giving, remember. Off to the families house on Christmas eve, trying to fit both sides of the family in. Its the celebration of this holiday (Christmas) that really has me thinking. Why is it that so many people celebrate Christmas, on Christmas Eve? Or even sooner? Christmas Eve, I strongly feel, does not get the recognition it deserves. It is mistreated for the sake of "that other day." From now on, I think I will support Christmas Eve as its own, independent holiday.

Merry Christmas Eve to all!

Word of the Week:

Cornucopia
Its a Thanksgiving holiday centerpiece(the horn shaped thing)

Not sure why this was the first word that came to my head, maybe I should get it checked?

Rock, Paper, Scissors

An unusual title I know, but bare with me. The rock has nothing to do with what i intended to write about however it was the quirkiest title I could muster. As for paper, there is some significance.

My writing, although not perfect, or even close for that matter, has been critiqued beyond belief in the past two weeks. And it has been slammed into a pole, beaten, pumped full of adrenaline, and beaten again. It was definitely a first for me to be criticized for writing at too HIGH of a level, especially for the president of my college. The emphasis here was on words like: utilize, instate, and animosity. Apparently, these are not words the you would see in everyday language. I may be verbally extricating myself here, however i strongly feel that one should not need to "DUMB DOWN" an assignment that should be written at a college level. My professor often speaks of the perversion of the English language, and the lack of variance in writing. Yet, this same man insists on using two syllables or fewer per word. On to my next, completely unrelated topic...

Scissors. This is more of an associative representation of the work i have been doing in my own "home." First and foremost, I would like to send my gratitude to craigslist for providing the means for me to get a free couch. Secondly, I would like to extend my thanks as well to walmart for having wicked cheap fabric for use to reupholster said couch. not to many people of the male variety know how to sew. Fortunately, I paid attention in 7th grade family and consumer science class and adopted that skill. Now, my free couch is sporting a nice new look in a stretchy shade of blue, with beige-ish cushions. It looks much better then the previously torn, brown fabric reminiscent of the 80's, and not the good portion. I was quite happy with the end result. I might even feel the desire to post a picture of it one of these days!

That is all i mave to say, and again.... I apologize for the appaling title.

Transition

Life has many transitions to be aware of. Some tucked away for only oneself to be witness, others with which one willingly flaunts, and even more that often continue unnoticed until it is to late. Although the importance of some are weighed more then the rest, this does not always correlate to one's level of willingness to share. I mention transitions only as a precursor to a more pressing matter. It is almost as if the transitions themselves are less important than one's personal regard toward them. This is what establishes the level of significance for any relevant transition. One's procession into adulthood can be delayed merely by one's own acceptance of it. Furthermore, it opens the possibility of influencing decisions based solely to the anterior in an almost spiteful manner to one's own inhibitions. Although a blatantly flawed system, it seems a common practice for those who could benefit most from doing just the opposite.

I consider myself one of those flawed individuals. One with a enormous potential if only I were to heed my own warnings. However, the level of significance I place on certain aspects of life are often well above the standard for the "average joe."

An instance of this in my recent history is associated with my desire to work with kids. I am split in my transition into the real world. On one hand, I feel as though I am not ready to move into the real world. Whereas I would love to move on and begin a life. I have had the opportunity to develop a relationship with many new people and it has changed my goals in life somewhat. I still intend to graduate with my mechanical engineering degree and continue on toward my masters and a potentially successful career, but I don't intend to rush through life like I have been trying to do until this point. This is my transition and I feel as though moments in my life have prepared me for this. Right now, I intend to live in the moment. To experience the pleasure of shaping the outlook of the world for kids.

WORD OF THE WEEK
TRANSITION
A state of change